Getting Scared here!

Well, I am getting scared. I had my first consult with the surgeon yesterday. And he scared the CRAP out of me! He said that I am too high of a risk with my BMI it is 59.5 down from 61.1 (first nurse visit). He wants me to loose 30lbs in two months and hopefully have my BMI at 55. He told me that I am at a higher risk of dying w/my current BMI. I was in tears in his office. I like him, even though he made me cry. He's straight forward and honest. He said that he really thought that I was doing the right thing and that once I loose that 30lbs I will be a great candidate. Has anyone else gone through this same thing? I am so scared. I have a little boy that I want to see grow up. Anyone had to loose weight before the surgery? Thanks, Michelle

I did not have to lose weigiht prior to surgery. Ive heard of alot of surgeons having patient lose weight before though. who is your surgeon? It doenst say in your profile.

Cahalan @ Mercy Capitol

Hey Michelle, While I didn't HAVE to lose weight to have surgery I will tell you it only helps... I know you had mentioned your love of children in your profile and so I say... do it for him, it's important for your health. Even if you decide against the surgery; even a few pounds (10 percent) of body weight drop is said to alieve some co-morbidity issues. No surgery is without risks; your weight right now puts you at greater risks from the co-mobidity issues than WLS surgery. Keep posting and stay with us on the boards to the gain strength needed for this journey; we ALL gain strength from each other. I know these guys help keep me sane most days... their support and friendship sees me through some bad times and helps celebrate the good. Paula

Michelle, It's not uncommon for surgeons to ask their patients to try and lose 10% of their weight before surgery. And there is a point to it - you're trying to get to as good a place physically as possible prior to going under the knife. It may be tough but I'm sure you'll get there! They may have a nutritionist in the program that can help you map out a strategy for getting this done. And it's very normal to be scared. If it didn't worry you or make you scared, then I'd be wondering if you were really ready for this. It's a big step and there can be problems - nothings a guarantee. Think about this in steps or phases and with each step, your understanding should be clearer. If things go well and you take time for you, then by the time you're ready to schedule surgery, you should be able to make the best decision for YOU. Whether it involves surgery or not! Best wishes to you! Take care now, -Deb W.

Hi Michelle, My surgeon also scared the daylights out of me on my first visit. My BMI is up there like yours (58.8), and although he didn't ask me to loose any weight prior to surgery he made the point many times about the higher risks of having surgery at my current weight. It's one of the jobs of the surgeon to make sure you know the risks related to having surgery, it just doesn't make it any easier on the patient to hear the word "death" so many times in one conversation. And my surgeon did emphasize that not having the surgery and not loosing the weight would put me at high risk as well. Because of my high BMI and history of asthma I had to see a pulmonologist as well. He had a whole laundry list of potential complications as well and went over again what my surgeon had pointed out as the high risks of surgery. Focus on your wonderful child and use him as an inspiration to work off that 30 lbs! Please take care and keep positive! Judy

Hi Michelle, I did not have a doctor tell me to lose weight pre-surgically to get my BMI down, but I did have to go on a diet for the 2 weeks before surgery. The dietician with the surgeon had me follow a modified low carb diet. The purpose was to shrink the liver to make surgery easier. With a smaller liver, the surgeon said that he could get his work done on the inside "easier". Anyway, it was hard because the two weeks started right before thanksgiving. You have a right to be scared - we all were. Hang in there and God bless, Andrea

Michelle, I had to loose weight before surgery. I didn't get off as much as Sudan wanted but I got some off. I can understand why since I spend so many hours in the operating room. Just start by parking your car farther from the building, drink lots of water, and make good food choices. As far as the freaky from the dieing thing. Joel Olsteen (Texas minister that is on TV said) The best way to live is without the negative. Keep only good positive thoughts in your heart and head. One night a few weeks before surgery I had that horrible I don't want to die feeling. I just prayed really hard and remembered what Rev. Olsteen said. I was also told by a WLS patient this "If God brought you to it, he'll get you through it"!!! I believe this with all of my heart. Keep positive thoughts in your heart, might, and mind and the only thing you'll have to worry about is spending more quality time with that son of yours. Keep us posted and we're here for you. Melinda

The risks are higher the more overweight a person is! If the docter wants you to lose weight, he is just looking out for your best interest! I had a higher BMI......in the nid fifties and I had to lose weight before surgery or would be cancelled! I did adtkins to lose my weight! I wish you nothing but the best.....you can do it....it is for your health.....Take Care and keep us updated!!!! I too have three little ones I needed to be around for, I am almost 8 months out and down 116 lbs! Jesi

Thanks, I needed some words of encouragement. Michelle